Sanding block device

ABSTRACT

A device for sanding a vehicle panel includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis. The elongate member includes a planar surface extending between a first end and a second end, and a grip portion disposed opposite the planar surface. The grip portion extends from the elongate member in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to tools for performing fabrication, metalwork, bodywork and finish work on a vehicle.

Background

Seemingly small details are what separate a top-of-the-line custom car from an average one. For example, even a fantastic paint job can't compensate for poor bodywork underneath it, as any flaw in the bodywork will only be magnified by the topcoat. In fact, sanding the surface of a car before applying primer and paint is the most important part of a good paint job.

Sanding is typically a long process that serves multiple purposes, including smoothing body filler, fiberglass, primers, and clear coat to render a vehicle panel completely smooth. For best results, paint must be removed down to bare metal and the surface re-primed with an automotive primer. The primed surface must then be sanded to create a uniformly flat surface despite variances in the contour of the vehicle body. Traditional sanding blocks may make this process difficult and uncomfortable to perform. Indeed, traditional sanding blocks may cause hand cramping and carpal tunnel syndrome from prolonged use.

Accordingly, what are needed are devices and methods to improve ergonomic comfort, ease and precision in sanding a vehicle body. Ideally, such devices and methods would reduce the time needed to ensure uniform and skillful sanding and would facilitate the ability to achieve uniformly flat vehicle panels while providing ergonomic comfort. Such devices and methods would also be simple to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and would produce reliable and competent results.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some implementations described herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods for facilitating a sanding process prior to painting and finishing a vehicle. Some embodiments as disclosed herein may provide a lightweight device that is inexpensive to manufacture and simple to use. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to facilitate reliable sanding results while promoting ergonomic comfort during use.

In a first set of example embodiments, a device for sanding a vehicle panel may include an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the elongate member may include a planar surface extending between a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the device may further include a grip portion disposed along the elongate member between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the grip portion may be disposed along a surface of the elongate member opposite the planar surface. In some embodiments, the grip portion may extend from the elongate member in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

In certain embodiments, the planar surface may be rigid. In other embodiments, the planar surface may be configured to conform to a rounded surface. In some embodiments, the planar surface may be configured to retain an abrasive element, such as sandpaper. In some embodiments, the planar surface and/or the abrasive element may include an adhesive and/or a mechanical fastener.

In some embodiments, the elongate member and/or the grip portion may be made of acrylic. In some embodiments, the grip portion may include a first grip element disposed at the first end and a second grip element disposed at the second end. In some embodiments, the grip portion may include a third grip element disposed between the first grip element and the second grip element.

In some embodiments, the grip portion may include a shape such as a sphere, a cylinder, a bar or a box. In some embodiments, the grip portion may be hollow.

In a second set of example embodiments, a system for sanding a vehicle panel may include an elongate member and an abrasive member. In some embodiments, the elongate member may extend along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the elongate member may include a planar surface extending between the first end and the second end.

In some embodiments, the elongate member may further include a grip portion. In some embodiments, the grip portion may be coupled to a surface of the elongate member opposite the planar surface such that a position of the grip portion relative to the elongate member is adjustable. In some embodiments, the grip portion may include more than one grip element coupled to the elongate member.

In some embodiments, the system may further include an abrasive element configured to couple to the planar surface.

In some embodiments, the grip portion may extend from the elongate member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the abrasive element may include a backing layer configured to couple to the planar surface. In some embodiments, the planar surface and/or the backing layer may include an adhesive or a mechanical fastener.

In a third set of example embodiments, a method for sanding a vehicle panel may include providing a device for sanding the vehicle panel. In some embodiments, the device may include an elongate member and a grip portion. In some embodiments, the elongate member may extend along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the elongate member may include a planar surface extending between a first end and a second end.

In some embodiments, the grip portion may be disposed along the elongate member between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the grip portion may be disposed along a surface opposite the planar surface. In some embodiments, the grip portion may extend in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the method may further include coupling an abrasive element to the planar surface. In some embodiments, the elongate member may be positioned against a vehicle panel such that the abrasive element contacts the vehicle panel. In some embodiments, the grip portion may be grasped to oscillate the abrasive element relative to the vehicle panel.

In some embodiments, the method may further include adjusting a position of the grip portion relative to the elongate member. In some embodiments, the grip portion may include at least one grip element slidably coupled to the elongate member. In some embodiments, coupling the abrasive element to the planar surface may include coupling the abrasive element to the planar surface via an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, positioning the elongate member against the vehicle panel may include flexing the elongate member to conform to the vehicle panel.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory and are not restrictive of the embodiments as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example device for sanding a vehicle panel in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top view of another example device for sanding a vehicle panel in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a top view of another example device for sanding a vehicle panel in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another example device for sanding a vehicle panel in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example device for sanding a vehicle panel including slidable grip elements in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another example device for sanding a vehicle panel including a cylindrical grip element in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the device of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a top view of another example device for sanding a vehicle panel including multiple cylindrical grip elements in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a top view of another example device for sanding a vehicle panel in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another example device for sanding a vehicle panel including a bar grip element in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 18 is an end view of the device of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the device of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 20 is a side view of the device of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As set forth above, when it comes to painting a vehicle, preparation is key. Good sanding is vital to create a surface for new paint to adhere as well as to create a uniformly flat surface. This process may be difficult and time-consuming as body filler, fiberglass, primers, and clear coat must be sanded completely flat despite variances in the vehicle body contour. Embodiments of a device for sanding a vehicle panel as set forth herein address these and other issues. Particularly, embodiments improve ease and ergonomic comfort in sanding vehicle body panels.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a device 100 for sanding a vehicle panel may include an elongate member 102 extending along a longitudinal axis 104. In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may be made of a material that is substantially rigid and lightweight. For example, in some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may be made of acrylic. In other embodiments, the elongate member 102 may be made of metal, plastic, composite, or another suitable lightweight material. In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may include any suitable length, width, and/or other dimensions. In some embodiments, the length and/or other dimensions of the elongate member 102 may be adjustable.

In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may include a planar surface 106 extending between a first end 108 and a second end 110. In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 and/or planar surface 106 may be firm absent application of a moderate degree of force. In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 and/or planar surface 106 may be sufficiently flexible or deformable to conform to a mild curvature or contour in a vehicle body. For example, as described in more detail below, in some embodiments, pressure may be applied to the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the elongate member 102 such that the planar surface 106 maintains contact interface 56 with the vehicle body or panel. In this manner, in some embodiments, a portion of the planar surface 106 between the first end 108 and the second end 110 may flex to maintain contact with a curvature in the vehicle body or panel therebetween.

In some embodiments, the device 100 may further include a grip portion 112 disposed along the elongate member 102 between the first end 108 and the second end 110. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be disposed along a surface 114 of the elongate member 102 opposite the planar surface 106. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be formed of a lightweight, rigid material such as metal, plastic, acrylic, composite, or other suitable material or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be made of acrylic. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include a shape such as a sphere, a cylinder, a bar or a box. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be solid. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be hollow.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may extend from the opposing surface 114 in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis 104. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include one or more grip elements 118, 120, 122. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, for example, a first grip element 118 may be disposed at or near the first end 108 of the elongate member 102 and a second grip element 120 may be disposed at or near the second end 110 of the elongate member 102. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, a third grip element 122 may be disposed between the first grip element 118 and the second grip element 120. In this manner, in some embodiments, a user may vary a grasp of the grip elements 118, 120, 122 depending on the contour or position of the desired target area.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include a single grip element. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include an elongate grip element that may be coupled to or integrated with the opposing surface 114 of the elongate member 102. In some embodiments, the elongate grip element may extend along the elongate member 102 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 104.

In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 and one or more of the grip elements 118, 120, 122 may be monolithically formed as a single unit. In other embodiment, one or more of the grip elements 118, 120, 122 may be coupled to the opposing surface 114 and/or the elongate member 102 via an adhesive or other suitable fastening device. In some embodiments, one or more of the grip elements 118, 120, 122 may be formed to include a three-dimensional shape such as a sphere, a cylinder, a box, or other suitable regular or irregular shape or combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the planar surface 106 may be rigid or substantially rigid such that it is configured to flex under pressure. In some embodiments, the planar surface 106 may be configured to conform to a contour or curvature of a vehicle body or panel. In some embodiments, the planar surface 106 may be configured to retain an abrasive element, such as sandpaper. In some embodiments, the planar surface 106 and/or the abrasive element may include an adhesive and/or a mechanical fastening device such as rivets, screws, or other suitable fastening device.

In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include a first grip element 118 disposed at the first end 108 and a second grip element 120 disposed at the second end 110. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include a third grip element 122 disposed between the first grip element 118 and the second grip element 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, in some embodiments, a position of one or more of the grip elements 118, 120, 122 may be adjusted relative to each other and/or relative to the elongate member 102. For example, in some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may include one or more channels 800. In some embodiments, the channel 800 may extend along the elongate member 102 and be aligned with the longitudinal axis 104. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include one or more posts configured to slidably engage the channel 800. In other embodiments, the grip portion 112 may engage the channel 800 via any suitable technique or device. In this manner, in some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be translated along the channel 800 such that a position of the grip portion 112 may be adjusted with respect to the elongate member 102.

In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 and/or the elongate member 102 may include a locking mechanism to selectively secure a position of the grip portion 112 relative to the elongate member 102. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include, for example, a locking portion or segment of the grip portion 112. In some embodiments, the locking portion may be configured to rotate or deform relative to the channel 800 to lock a position of the grip portion 112 relative thereto. In other embodiments, the locking portion may be configured to engage a corresponding feature of the elongate member 102, planar surface 106 and/or channel 800.

In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may include more than one channel 800 a, b configured to receive at least a portion of the grip portion 112. For example, in some embodiments, a first channel 800 a may be disposed near the first end 108 and a second channel 800 b may be disposed near the second end 110. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include a first grip element 118 configured to slidably engage the first channel 800 a and a second grip element 120 configured to slidably engage the second channel 800 b. In this manner, in some embodiments, a position of each of the grip elements 118, 120 may be adjusted relative to each other and relative to the elongate member 102, thereby facilitating properly positioning of the device 100 relative to a target area of a vehicle.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, in some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may further include a single grip portion 112 coupled to the opposing surface 114. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include a cylindrical handle coupled to or integrated with the opposing surface 114. In some embodiments, the cylindrical handle may extend along at least a portion of a length of the elongate member 102. In other embodiments, the cylindrical handle may extend along at least a portion of a width of the elongate member 102. Referring now to FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include more than one cylindrical handle coupled to the elongate member 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-20, in some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include a rod extending along a length of the elongate member 102. In some embodiments, the rod may be hollow. Referring now to FIG. 18, in some embodiments, the rod may include a cross-sectional shape such as a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the rod may be three-dimensional such that it extends from the opposing surface 114 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 104. In some embodiments, the rod may be disposed in segments, where more than one segment may be coupled to or integrated with the opposing surface 114.

In some embodiments, the abrasive element may include a backing layer configured to couple to the planar surface 106. In some embodiments, the planar surface 106 and/or the backing layer may include an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, and/or any other suitable mechanical fastener.

In some embodiments, a method for sanding a vehicle panel may include providing a device 100 for sanding the vehicle panel. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include an elongate member 102 and a grip portion 112. In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may extend along a longitudinal axis 104. In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may include a planar surface 106 extending between a first end 108 and a second end 110.

In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be disposed along the elongate member 102 between the first end 108 and the second end 110. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be disposed along a surface 114 opposite the planar surface 106. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may extend in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis 104.

In some embodiments, the method may further include coupling an abrasive element to the planar surface 106. In some embodiments, the elongate member 102 may be positioned against a vehicle panel such that the abrasive element contacts the vehicle panel. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may be grasped to oscillate the abrasive element relative to the vehicle panel.

In some embodiments, the method may further include adjusting a position of the grip portion 112 relative to the elongate member 102. In some embodiments, the grip portion 112 may include at least one grip element 118, 120, 122 slidably coupled to the elongate member 102. In some embodiments, coupling the abrasive element to the planar surface 106 may include coupling the abrasive element to the planar surface 106 via an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, positioning the elongate member 102 against the vehicle panel may include flexing the elongate member 102 to conform to the vehicle panel.

In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of the aforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combination desired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure. 

1. A device for sanding a vehicle panel, comprising: an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis, the elongate member comprising a planar surface extending between a first end and a second end; and a grip portion disposed along the elongate member between the first end and the second end, wherein the grip portion is disposed along a surface opposite the planar surface such that the grip portion extends in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the planar surface is rigid.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the planar surface is configured to conform to a rounded surface of a vehicle.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the planar surface is configured to retain an abrasive element.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein at least one of the planar surface and the abrasive element comprises at least one of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the elongate member and the grip portion comprises acrylic.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the grip portion comprises a first grip element disposed at the first end and a second grip element disposed at the second end.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the grip portion further comprises a third grip element disposed between the first grip element and the second grip element.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the grip portion comprises a shape comprising at least one of a sphere, a cylinder, a bar and a box.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the grip portion is hollow.
 11. A system for sanding a vehicle panel, comprising: an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the elongate member comprising a planar surface extending between the first end and the second end and a grip portion, wherein the grip portion is coupled to a surface of the elongate member opposite the planar surface such that a position of the grip portion relative to the elongate member is adjustable; and an abrasive element coupled to the planar surface such that the abrasive element is opposite the grip portion.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the grip portion extends from the elongate member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the abrasive element comprises a backing layer configured to couple to the planar surface.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the planar surface and the backing layer comprises an adhesive or a mechanical fastener.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the grip portion comprises more than one grip element coupled to the elongate member.
 16. A method for sanding a vehicle panel, comprising: providing a device for sanding a vehicle panel, the device comprising: an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis, the elongate member comprising a planar surface extending between a first end and a second end; and a grip portion disposed along the elongate member between the first end and the second end, wherein the grip portion is disposed along a surface opposite the planar surface such that the grip portion extends in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis; coupling an abrasive element to the planar surface; positioning the elongate member against a vehicle panel such that the abrasive element contacts the vehicle panel; and grasping the grip portion to oscillate the abrasive element relative to the vehicle panel.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting a position of the grip portion relative to the elongate member.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the grip portion comprises at least one grip element slidably coupled to the elongate member.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein coupling the abrasive element to the planar surface comprises coupling the abrasive element to the planar surface via an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning the elongate member against the vehicle panel comprises flexing the elongate member to conform to the vehicle panel. 